Extend-A-Family Kingston
Dunya Hydroponic Greenhouse
Overview of the Program
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A sustainable hydroponic greenhouse project operated by Extend-A-Family Kingston. EAFK operates 2 hydroponic greenhouse units capable of growing up to 2400 heads of produce each month, year-round.
Aims to grow over 10,000 heads of fresh produce annually, promoting food security and climate resilience in the Kingston community.
Provides a hands-on learning space for program participants of all abilities, fostering skills and learning opportunities in seed to table agriculture, sustainability, and teamwork.
How The System Works
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Produce is grown from seeds in a peat moss medium, using no soil.
Plants are grown in water-based systems with their roots exposed to oxygen, nutrients, and water. It is a recirculating drip system that waters the plants and then is captured and reused.
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Water Recirculation: Conserves water by reusing and filtering it within the system.
Nutrient Delivery: Ensures plants receive precise nutrients for optimal growth, minimizing waste.
Controlled Environment: Pods are climate controlled, and all pumps and light systems are operated on automatic timers to maximize energy efficiency. The units are free standing and well insulated to conserve heat and electricity.
Size: Each pod is approximately 100 square feet and produce is grown in a vertical tower system to maximize space.
Sustainability & Climate Resilience
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Uses up to 90% less water than traditional soil farming.
Reduces water waste and dependence on irrigation systems affected by droughts.
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Requires less land, allowing high-yield farming in small urban or semi-urban spaces.
Vertical stacking in hydroponics systems maximizes output per square foot.
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Local production reduces transportation emissions ("food miles").
Controlled environments eliminate the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers, lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
No need for any emission producing farm equipment.
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Protects crops from extreme weather events like floods, droughts, and temperature fluctuations.
Provides reliable, year-round food production regardless of outdoor conditions.
Community Impact
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Teaches sustainable agriculture practices to participants, volunteers, and the community. We have provided opportunities for over 300 individuals including participants, students, community groups, and more.
Promotes awareness of food security and climate action in our local community.
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Engages people of all abilities, fostering community connections and reducing barriers to participation.
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Contributes to the availability of fresh produce for families and local food banks.
EAFK has donated over 500 pounds of fresh locally grown produce this past year!
Produce grown by EAFK has gone to feed meals to over 1500 individuals facing food insecurity in the Kingston area.
This is made possible by the City of Kingston’s Community Climate Action Fund
https://www.cityofkingston.ca/climate-change-and-environment/climate-change/kingston-community-climate-action-fund/
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Fundraising goal: $36,000
Project snapshot: Extend-A-Family Kingston is seeking your support to build a climate-controlled hydroponic greenhouse to provide fruits, herbs, and vegetables to approximately 500 individuals (120 families) year-round.
How this project will reduce GHG emissions: The Extend-A-Family hydroponic greenhouse will allow its users to grow produce year-round. This will lower carbon emissions associated with traditional agricultural practices and transporting food around the country.
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Promotes local food security.
Supports other community organizations, such as Partners in Mission Food Bank and the Community Food Redistribution Warehouse, which will receive produce from the Extend-A-Family greenhouse.
Creates a deeper connection to food and how it's grown through hands-on experience and virtual tours of the greenhouse environment.
How to Donate
CanadaHelps - a quick and easy way to donate online to the project you want to see realized.
Check out our progress here, or sign up for updates below.
Our Video Showcase of the Greenhouse and its Impact
Together, we can grow a greener tomorrow.
